In the early hours of Tuesday, October 1, Israel launched a ground operation in Lebanon. Israeli military officials have stated that they are conducting limited localised raids on Lebanese territory aimed at destroying Hezbollah’s infrastructure in border areas. Armoured units, supported by artillery and aircraft, have already invaded Lebanon. According to media reports, the Lebanese army has withdrawn from its positions along the Blue Line and retreated deeper inside the country.

There are reports of dozens of Lebanese civilian casualties. The combined Israeli invasion involving all branches of the military gives us reason to believe that the death toll will continue to rise.

It is clear that this move by Israel’s military and political leadership, following the assassination of several Hezbollah leaders, will lead to further escalation of in the Middle East. Russia strongly condemns the attack on Lebanon and urges Israeli authorities to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw troops from Lebanese territory and actively pursue peaceful solutions to the Middle East conflict.

We express our solidarity with the leadership and people of friendly Lebanon, a nation that has been subjected to armed aggression, and offer our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.